British Boot Company, London

The British Boot Company (formerly known as Holts) is a shoe shop in Camden Town in London notable for being a leading UK stockist of English brands such as Dr Martens, Grinders, Solovair, Gladiator, George Cox, Tredair and NPS.

The shop was founded as "Holts" in 1851, selling hobnail boots. In the 1980s, the shop changed its name to British Boot Company, but the business was still run by the same family.

In the 1970s and early 1980s the shop was popular with skinheads and punks from all over the world, who came to buy bovver boots or brothel creepers. Customers could borrow a marker pen to write messages on the walls that would then be read by other skinhead crews or punk bands on tour.

In the late 1970s, the shop's owner, Alan Roumana, formed a close association with the local band North London Invaders, who would later become Madness. The band used to buy loafers from the shop, and they featured the store in their music videos "The Prince" and "The Sun and The Rain". Members of The Clash, Sex Pistols and UK Subs also became regular customers.

British Boot Company Reviews

After looking for something a bit different and being highly disappointed with the actual shop close by so happy that I came across here. Colin wasn't happy til he found me something I liked (and I...
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By GlennW1234

Made to feel so welcome. Colin is super knowledgeable and mega helpful. Most fun I've ever had in a shoe store. So many gorgeous pairs of shoes and boots. Will return!
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Never have I done this review before but I did for this shop because it was a great experience and really had wonderful shoes and staff. This was because this young Protestant man from Scotland called James when he speak to us for so long and talk to us about all his experience in Jerusalem and sharing his pictures with us. So personal and friendly and my daughter loved his accent. These that we buy are fantastic and I would not want to shop for these boots again in any place to go in London except for the British Boot Company. Thank you.

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By Dave McQueen

I went in looking for two pairs of quality shoelaces and left with a pair of boots and shoes and a big smile on my face (a as well as the laces)
I bought a pair of Loakes Oxfords from this shop in 1982 and I needed to replace them so I got the Brogues boots this time. I tried them on and they fit like gloves.
On the shelf below the boots a pair of shoes were staring at me...
I got chatting to Nick in the shop about quality shoes, watches and music (what else is important!) Of all the shoes and boots in the shop he pointed to the shoes that had been staring at me. I’m sitting here wearing my new navy suede and black leather George Cox Polecat shoes. Perfect, stylish and comfortable shoes.
Beautiful perfect footwear. And amazing service! I even got a suggestion for where to get my watch taken care of.